Lophophora williamsii var. cristata – Specimen 05

Overview

Lophophora williamsii var. cristata – Specimen 05 is a compact, deeply folded plant measuring 6cm across. Its grey-green surface forms a series of rounded lobes and winding grooves, giving the crown a sculpted, almost brain-like appearance. The different views reveal how the folds overlap and turn back towards the centre.

What Makes a Crest?

Crested growth, or cristation, is a form of fasciation: growth spreads along an extended growing region rather than developing around the usual single rounded apex. As that growing edge expands and folds, it can produce fans, ridges and convoluted mounds.

In Lophophora, this gives a very different outline from the familiar rounded button. The shape is individual to the specimen and continues to develop over time; new sections may look different from the existing crest.

Specimen Details

• Identification: Lophophora williamsii, crested form.
• Specimen reference: 05.
• Width: 6cm.
• You will receive the exact whole plant shown in the photographs.

Grower Notes

Provide bright, filtered light, ventilation and a sharply draining mineral-rich substrate. Water cautiously during active growth and allow the mix to dry between waterings. Keep substantially drier in cool, inactive conditions. Avoid leaving water in the folds, and handle the growing edges gently.

Condition Note

Feed residue: The temporary brown residue visible on the heads is from a fulvic + humate feed. It is expected to wash away gradually during normal watering or feeding, or fade as it breaks down with UV exposure. There is no need to scrub the heads or give extra water to remove it.

For background on the growth form, see the RHS explanation of fasciation and LLIFLE’s crested williamsii profile.